Trouble in Paradise: Reality (TV) Bites, #2

By Arlene Hittle

"A tropical paradise offers plenty of opportunities to accept an invitation to sin."

After their friends' brush with reality TV stardom, the last thing Cody Jackson wants is a part of another Romance TV production. Against his better judgment, he lets his girlfriend convince him to try out for the network's new show, Invitation to Sin. Worried Cody is being unfaithful, Bethany Lincoln hopes the production will prove his commitment to her. But Beth's the one who ends up taking--and failing--test after test.

Can Beth and Cody's love survive the show's behind-the-scenes machinations, the return of her long-estranged mother and more? Or will they fall victim to an invitation to sin?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Four Carat Press
• Release date: Jun 29, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386948179

Arlene Hittle

Arlene Hittle is a Midwestern transplant who now makes her home in northern Arizona. She suffers from the well-documented Hittle family curse of being a Cubs fan but will root for the Diamondbacks until they run up against the Cubs. Longtime friends are amazed she writes books with sports in them, since she's about as coordinated as a newborn giraffe and used to say marching band required more exertion than golf. Find her at arlenehittle.com, on Twitter (@arlenehittle) or on Facebook (Arlene Hittle, Author).

Book preview

Chapter One

Why did Lean Cuisine dinners always disappear in three bites?

Bethany Lincoln aimed another scowl at the now-empty black tray that had held ravioli mere seconds ago. Aside from nuking herself another meal, there wasn’t much she could do about the skimpy portion.

Unfortunately, eating two of them defeated the purpose of consuming diet food.

Eating a frozen dinner alone in front of the TV hadn’t been in her plan for the night, anyway. It was a poor substitute for the cozy pasta plate she was supposed to be sharing with her boyfriend, Cody.

Sighing, she deposited the tray in the trash can and the fork in the sink. Then she settled back on the couch with her cellphone in hand and dialed her best friend.

Kar, I think Cody’s getting bored. He canceled our dinner plans.

Again? That’s the second time this week.

And the fifth this month. If Kari, too, kept track, it made Bethany’s concerns more legitimate. You think he’s finally realizing I’m not worth the effort he’s been making these past six months?

That man is crazy about you, Beth.

Then why does he suddenly have to work late every time we have plans? Cody’s job, counseling at-risk teens, while important, shouldn’t be quite this unpredictable. She took a deep breath. Held it. Let it out slowly. If she couldn’t share her fears with Kari, she’d never tell anyone—and doubt would fester, poisoning the most adult relationship she’d managed to date. I’m afraid he’s losing interest. What if I don’t turn him on anymore?

I doubt that’s a problem. But if you’re that worried, why don’t you come right out and ask him?

You know me better than that. Bethany shook her head and glanced at the TV, which was tuned to her favorite channel, Romance TV. It was the network that brought Kari and her husband, Damien, together—and helped her once-shy friend come into her own. It was at Kari and Damien’s wedding that Beth met Cody, the groom’s best friend. They’d ended up getting more wedding night action than the bride and groom.

A picture of someplace tropical flashed on the screen, along with the words Trouble in Paradise? Immediately intrigued, she snatched the remote and pumped up the volume, and asked Kari to do the same.

"Does your love life have more fizzle than sizzle? Worried your significant other finds you less than significant? Here’s your chance to find out. Romance TV is seeking eight committed couples to put their relationships to the ultimate test. Contestants will spend a month at an island resort, enjoying all it has to offer. Warm, sandy beaches. Games on the water. Sumptuous buffet spreads. But beware! A tropical paradise offers plenty of opportunities to accept an...Invitation to Sin."

Long after the commercial faded into a rerun of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Bethany turned it over in her brain. If Cody was feeding his sex drive elsewhere, it’d explain why he was suddenly more than content to cuddle—all night long.

Kari’s voice interrupted her musings. Beth? You still there?

Where else would I be? It’s not like I have a date tonight.

Kari chuckled. You’re not a bit bitter about that, either.

Bethany laughed along with her, but she was too focused on the blurb on TV to get distracted for long. "What do you think, Kar? About Invitation to Sin. Cody and I could be contestants."

Silence. It stretched out so long Beth started to wonder if the call had been dropped—unusual in her apartment, but not completely unheard of. Well?

Finally, Kari snorted. That’s the worst idea I’ve ever heard.

How can you, of all people, say that?

Are you forgetting I spent weeks with cameras following my every move? Trust me when I tell you it’s no fun.

Even as she remembered how many times Kari complained about the intrusion, Bethany was undeterred. Testing her relationship with Cody suddenly seemed like the best idea since MTV launched the reality TV craze with The Real World.

Was he just plain bored? Or was he not interested because he was cheating? She’d get her answers, once and for all, without having to come right out and ask for them—a must for a pro at avoiding confrontations of substance. It’s not the same thing at all. You and Damien were here in Chicago, going about your daily lives. Cody and I would be in a tropical paradise—like on vacation.

Vacations can make or break a relationship, you know.

Surely we can be at least as lucky as you and Damien. A forced vacation in Alaska finally brought Kari and Damien together in the ways that really counted.

Kari was silent again. Then, If you’re so hell-bent on doing this, I hope you’re luckier than that.

Bethany knew the early days of her friend’s marriage had been rough on her—but she also knew Kari had lucked out when the judges picked her and Damien as the male and female contestants with the worst love lives in America. Damien was one of the last good men in Chicago.

Whether his best friend Cody was another, or merely better than most at disguising his flaws, remained to be seen.

She ended her call with Kari and used her phone to pull up Romance TV’s website, where she found lots more information about the show. She was still reading through it—and mulling the best way to answer the essay questions—when the doorbell rang.

Hmm. She wasn’t expecting anyone. After making her way to the door, she peered through the peephole. It was Cody, and he looked—well, he looked exhausted. He also looked as if he’d been in some sort of scuffle. Was that a bruise on his cheek?

She pulled open the door and tugged him into the apartment. His presence made her feel vaguely guilty, as if he’d sensed her doubts and forced himself to make an appearance. You didn’t have to come over, you know.

I know I didn’t have to. He flashed her a grin, but it was a shadow of his usual charming smile. But I wanted to sneak in some quality time with you.

He wavered unsteadily. Why, he was about to fall asleep on his feet. Either that or— Have you been drinking?

He raised three fingers in a Scout salute. Not a drop. I was out with Nathan.

Nathan again. Bethany frowned to herself as she led Cody to the couch and urged him to sit, sinking down beside him and letting him drop an arm around her shoulders. Nathan was Cody’s latest charge, a troubled kid who seemed to spend most of his time seeking attention. Whether that attention was positive or negative didn’t seem to matter to Nate. A couple of weeks ago, she and Cody had been out on a date when he called. She’d ended up accompanying Cody to the police station, where the kid was being detained for dropping eggs off an overpass at passing vehicles.

What happened this time?

Nathan wanted to be in a dance contest at one of those underage clubs downtown.

She tilted her head to look at Cody. Not that she made a habit of criticizing, but his hair was almost too shaggy. That sounds...positive.

He nodded and sandy brown hair flopped over one eye. It would have been, except one of the other kids at the club thought Nathan was dissing him by making eyes at his girlfriend.

Resisting an urge to brush back Cody’s hair, Bethany rolled her eyes. Was he?

Hell if I know. Probably. You know how smooth he thinks he is.

She sure did, having been on the receiving end of one of the teen’s clumsy passes. She bit back a rueful grin. Is that how you got bruised?

I’d hoped that wasn’t going to turn. He grimaced as he reached up to touch his cheekbone.

Bethany jumped up and went to the kitchen, returning with a thin dishtowel and a bag of frozen broccoli. She wrapped the bag in the towel and held it out to Cody. This might keep it from getting worse.

Thanks. He held the bag to his cheek, wincing when the makeshift icepack made contact with his discolored skin. At times like this, I wish I worked with adults. It’d be nice to hit back once in a while.

Not sure what to say, she opted to just pat Cody’s knee. They sat in silence for a few moments, watching Failure to Launch unfold on the TV screen. It must be Matthew McConaughey night on Romance TV.

Before she had time to worry about the fact that she currently found the screen star far sexier than the flesh-and-blood boyfriend sitting right next to her, he squeezed her hand. The gesture curled itself around her heart, warming her. Good. At least the heat wasn’t completely gone.

So what did you do with yourself tonight while I was out getting slugged by a teenage terror with an attitude problem?

She took note of Cody’s glassy eyes, slack jaw and fluttering eyelids. It took Bethany all of two seconds to realize he was in no condition to commit to watching a movie for the next two hours, let alone to starring in a possibly life-altering TV show for a month. As much as she wanted to apply to be on Invitation to Sin, she didn’t want to trick him into it. She’d learned that lesson the hard way, having entered Kari in last year’s contest without telling her.

Morning would be soon enough to convince Cody their lives would be greatly improved by becoming reality TV stars.

Nothing important, Cody. You ready for bed?

He flashed her another tired grin and pushed himself off the couch. You know it, sweetheart.

Resigned to another night of nothing but hugs and cuddles, Bethany followed Cody to her bedroom.

YOU WANT TO WHAT?

Cody stared at his girlfriend of a little more than six months. Surely he’d misheard. He glanced from her pretty heart-shaped face to the pancakes, sausage, and bacon on his breakfast plate. The double meat had clued him in that she was trying to butter him up for something—but never would he have guessed this was the something.

You heard me the first time. I want to apply for Romance TV’s new reality series.

After what Damien went through? No way, Beth. Cody shook his head and slid the half-full plate onto the coffee table.

You don’t even know what the show’s about.

He shook his head again. Doesn’t matter. I’m not subjecting either one of us to that kind of torture.

Bethany’s emerald eyes narrowed and she pointed the remote at the TV. Just watch.

Don’t tell me you TiVo’ed a commercial.

She ignored his objection and pressed play. A picture of a white sand beach lined with palm trees replaced Bugs Bunny, and Cody paused. He was man enough to admit the white sands and turquoise sea looked inviting. It beat winter in Chicago, for sure.

Then the words Trouble in Paradise? replaced the tropical scene. He darted a glance at Bethany. Did she think they were in trouble? He was about to ask her when the announcer started rambling about sizzle, fizzle and insignificant others.

Oh, hell. That clinched it. For some crazy reason, Beth did think they were in trouble. Just because—

She shushed him, so he made it a point to listen to the rest of the ad before he tried to defend himself. He held out hope it might get better. It didn’t.

"Invitation to Sin? he repeated. When she nodded, his blood pressure shot up two notches. The woman he loved with all his heart apparently thought the relationship was on the rocks. Why? Because he wasn’t the Energizer Bunny in bed? So what if we don’t have wild, crazy sex every night? I’m almost thirty-three years old, for God’s sake. Even in my twenties, I needed a break once in a while."

Once in a while? Lately we’ve been lucky to have sex once a week. It’s like we’re an old married couple.

Cody rubbed his suddenly throbbing temples. What had started as a good morning, complete with his favorite breakfast, was quickly heading south. What’s wrong with that?

She fluttered her naked left hand at him. We’re not married. We shouldn’t be acting like we are.

Not quite sure what to say next, he scrubbed a hand over his face. The moment he’d met Bethany, he knew she’d be a handful—in bed and out. Most days he welcomed the challenge. She intrigued him, excited him and made him feel alive. She even made him glad he’d developed an addiction to Romance TV, despite all the ribbing he endured from buddies. If he hadn’t been watching the network while convalescing from his broken leg, he’d have never entered Damien in the contest that brought Beth into his life.

You want a proposal? Is that it?

She looked at him like he’d just suggested they castrate Michelangelo’s David. Uh-oh. Maybe the Christmas morning surprise he’d planned wouldn’t go over as well as he expected.

I just want to make love more often than I take out the trash!

Well, crap. The woman he loved was telling him he didn’t satisfy her—and if that was true, maybe the relationship really was on the rocks. Wouldn’t be the first time. She’d always held herself a little aloof, been more reticent than he was about their being together. He’d assumed she was simply less flamboyant than she pretended to be. But maybe he didn’t know her as well as he thought.

He spoke in his quietest voice. I didn’t realize I was such a disappointment.

Her eyes widened. I’m not disappointed.

You just compared me to the garbage man, Beth. Forgive me if I took it the wrong way.

She laid her hand on his chest, her green eyes beseeching him to understand. I’ve always been a sensual being. I need to express my affection physically.

Tell me something I don’t know. He raked his eyes over her from head to toe, paying special attention to the curve of her ample breasts and the flare of her hips. His body responded instantly, and he wondered why Bethany was suddenly so sure they had a problem. Just because he’d been working until he dropped didn’t mean he wanted her any less than he had the day they met. He guided her hand to his crotch and smiled in satisfaction as her eyes widened again. When I’m not dead on my feet, everything’s in working order.

He watched her expression brighten and knew he’d managed to say something right. Why was he not surprised that it related to the sensual side of life?

She smiled her winningest smile. All the more reason for us to apply for the show. You’ve been working too hard. You need a vacation.

Cody groaned. He walked straight into that one. Spending a month in front of TV cameras isn’t my idea of a vacation.

But we’d be on a tropical island...having fun in the sun, sand, and surf.

He was tempted, sure. What sane man wouldn’t be when it would mean escaping the subzero wind chills of a Chicago winter? However, his friend Damien’s experience with meddling TV execs and an intrusive camera crew was more than enough to convince him he wanted no part of another Romance TV production. Just because it worked out for his buddy and his new bride didn’t mean he and Bethany would be so lucky. I don’t think so, Beth.

Her smile dimmed. Damn, he hated to disappoint her, especially when she seemed convinced they were in trouble. He didn’t want trouble. He didn’t even want a minor hassle. He was quite pleased with the direction of his life with Bethany. He liked being comfortable—and he was glad he didn’t need to pretend to be something he wasn’t.

On the other hand, if she thought they were too comfortable, maybe he did need to put in a little more effort. Maybe he should agree to apply. Filling out an application was no guarantee they’d be chosen for the show. In fact, when he thought about how many poor saps were probably clamoring to be on a show like this, being one of the eight couples selected for Invitation to Sin was highly unlikely.

And when he factored in the fact that he’d already won once, so to speak, by submitting Damien’s story for the Get a Love Life contest, it became even less likely. No way would Romance TV lightning strike their circle twice.

He tamped down his many misgivings and gave Bethany’s hand a squeeze. Okay, sweetheart. Let’s apply.

Bethany squealed and sat on his lap. Her silken hair teased his shoulders as she planted kisses all over his face. Thank you, thank you, thank you. When she was done kissing him, she smiled. Let’s work on the application today.

Right now? When she nodded, he directed her attention to the part of him brought to life by her enthusiastic response. I can think of something I’d rather be doing right now.

She didn’t wait for a second invitation to yank down the sweatpants he’d slept in and straddle his waist. He watched as she tugged her T-shirt over her head and tossed it aside. Then she flattened herself against him, pressing the points of her nipples into his chest, and a wave of pure pleasure washed over him. He groaned.

No, their relationship wasn’t in a bit of trouble—and if he had to apply for a stupid TV show they didn’t have a chance in hell of getting on to convince Beth of that, so be it.

Chapter Two

Later that morning , as she drowsed next to Cody on the couch while Sahara played on the TV, Bethany thanked her lucky stars for two things. One: convincing him to do the show had been easy. She’d expected him to put up more of a fight, but was pleased he’d decided to be sensible about it. Two: she did still have the power to turn Cody on. After spending so many nights at his side, celibate as a nun, she’d been starting to wonder.

She hadn’t been kidding when she told him she was a sensual being. Too sensual, Kari would say. But she was who she was—and for her, sex was the barometer of a healthy relationship. She truly believed what she’d said while her friend dithered about Damien. Keep a man happy in bed, and he’ll keep you happy out of it.

Bethany cast a glance at her boyfriend. His six foot two frame was sprawled out, taking up more than half of the couch, and he had his feet propped up on the coffee table—dangerously near his breakfast plate. Oblivious to the danger of a syrup-drenched sock, he watched Penelope Cruz spar with sir Matthew onscreen.

Yes, he looked more than happy. That meant it was time for him to return the favor. There was no reason for them to waste the day sitting around her apartment when they could be out getting ready to shoot their video essay for the application.

Out of deference to Cody’s apparent interest in the movie he’d probably seen before, she waited for a commercial break to speak. Let’s go.

He looked at her, lazily arching one eyebrow. Go where?

I’m assuming you need to go walk your dog, for one thing. She needed to start small before she suggested what she really had in mind, because she knew shopping and a haircut would be a hard sell.

He shook his head. Chelsea is at Chez Damien for the week. I told him that if he thinks she needs to lose weight, he’s going to have to be the one to put her on a diet. I can’t handle it when she stands at her food bowl and looks up at me like she’s starving.

Bethany smiled. She’d heard that argument before—and she was no better at denying the poor dear food than Cody was. Why, she’d probably added a few pounds to the pup’s girth with table scraps. It was a good thing the hound had a veterinarian like Damien to keep its best interests in mind. Good. Then we can start with a little shopping.

He reared to a sitting position. The look on his face told her he was less than thrilled by the suggestion. Shopping?

"It is a video application. I don’t think your ‘Four of the five voices in my head are telling me to go back to bed’ T-shirt will make the right impression, do you?"

I have dress clothes at my place.

That wouldn’t send the right message, either. We need tropical vacation clothes. She grabbed his hand and pulled him to his feet. Besides, I thought we could swing by the salon while we’re at the mall.

He eyed her with suspicion. Didn’t you just get your hair cut a few weeks ago?

It was closer to a month, and I could use a trim. And a blow-out to look my best on camera. Well, crap. Much as she didn’t want to sound like a nag, she’d have to come right out and say it. But you really need a haircut. It’s been something like three months.

I can’t help it if my barber died.

Maybe not, but your barber isn’t the only person in Chicago who cuts hair.

"He’s the only one who cuts my hair. My dad took me to him for my first real haircut when I was two."

Bethany sighed and started for the door. I know you were attached to the guy, but there are other stylists.

I don’t want a stylist. I want a good, old-fashioned barber.

KNOWING PROTESTS WERE futile once Bethany made up her mind to do something, Cody followed her to the El stop near her apartment. A few hours at the mall wouldn’t be so bad, right?

He chuckled to himself. Boy, had his life changed. A year ago, he had his dog—and occasional visits from his busy best bud, to whom he was closer than a brother—to keep him company. Now he was practically living with a pushy woman, who forced him to go shopping for summer clothes in the dead of winter and made him get his hair cut regularly despite the demise of his barber.

And he wouldn’t have it any other way. He slid his arm around Bethany’s waist and bent his head to whisper in her ear. I love you, Beth.

She tipped her head up to look into his eyes, and he saw she was startled. Disgruntled by the reaction, he scowled. You don’t have to look so surprised.

Her lips, rose-colored without the benefit of lipstick, curved into a smile, and he fought the urge to swoop in and kiss them. Why was she so convinced they had a problem?

Sorry. I know you do—I just don’t actually hear you say it very often.

Cody froze. Was that true? With Nathan taking up so much of his time, he supposed so. That kid was a tough nut to crack. Every time he thought he was making progress, he ended up back where they started, involved in some escapade like last night’s aborted dance competition. Have I really been neglecting you?

He boarded the train behind her, and when she turned to face him again there were unshed tears in her eyes. I wouldn’t call it neglect, exactly. Let’s just say I don’t always feel the love.

He groaned. That was the same thing his last steady girlfriend had told him, time and time again. Maybe there was something wrong with him. Even before what happened with Steph in high school, he’d preferred showing to telling, believing that actions spoke louder than words.

Like now, for example. What better way to prove his devotion to Beth than to spend the day shopping? He’d rather lock himself up in an entire roomful of teenagers in need of attitude adjustments, but if going to the mall made Bethany feel better—

Squeezing her hand, he smiled down at her. Doubting your shopping prowess would be a mistake, but would you mind telling me where we’re going to find clothes to wear in the tropics at this time of year?

You don’t go to the mall much, do you?

Cody shook his head. Not since high school, when it was the place to see and be seen.

She snickered, and he wondered if she was trying to imagine what he’d looked like back then. He hoped not. With the highly fashionable—for the time—haircut he’d fought with his barber to get, it wasn’t a pretty sight.

Come to think of it, his hair was starting to resemble his high school style. Not about to make that mistake again, he was willing to concede—at least to himself—he did need a haircut.

Bethany interrupted his fashion epiphany. Two words. Spring sales.

Two hours later, he understood. Every store already had its spring line on display, and he’d seen enough board shorts, denim shorts, and Bermuda shorts to last a lifetime. Having lost the argument that they shouldn’t waste money on a wardrobe they might never get to wear, he was also the not-so-proud owner of several pairs.

Now, we shop for swimsuits.

The thought of even more shopping stretched his patience to its limit. Do we have to? I can swim in those Hawaiian-print Bermuda shorts you insisted I buy.

No, you need real swim trunks—and I need a new bikini. My old one seems to have shrunk in the wash.

Swimsuit shopping it is. He dropped a kiss on the tip of her nose. No way would he be the one to point out Bethany had put